D.C. United today announced that the club has acquired forward Casey Townsend from Chivas USA in exchange for a second round pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Townsend, the fifth selection in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and NSCAA Second Team All-American at the University of Maryland, played in 17 games (10 starts) during his rookie year with Chivas USA, logging a goal and two assists.

“We were quite surprised that Casey was available for a trade and we pounced on it,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is an exciting striker who brings a ton of energy to the attack, and we think he will be a great fit with our side. He is very happy to return to the D.C. Metropolitan area and we are equally excited to bring him back.”

While with nearby University of Maryland for four years, Townsend made 85 appearances (83 starts), added 12 assists and notched 43 goals, third-best in the Terps’ history. In 2011, Townsend was a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy and an NSCAA All-American Second Team selection, in addition to garnering All-ACC First Team accolades for the second consecutive year. Townsend has also been a part of the United States U-17, U-18 and U-20 National Teams.